Shree Salasar Balaji Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman in the Indian state of Rajasthan. Salasar Dham, as it is known by many, is situated in the Salasar town of Rajasthan’s Churu district.
The storey behind the temple’s building is very fascinating. A stone is said to have fallen into a farmer’s field in Asota, Nagaur, when he was ploughing. The stone was a Hanuman relic known as Balaji. The village headman immediately took possession of the relic and started to worship it. The headman received a divine revelation one night to give the relic to Salasar.
On the same night, Salasar’s king received another divine revelation, this time to construct a temple for the relic. The temple was finally built after much awe and effort, and it is still revered by all with great devotion. Regardless of the legend, the Shree Salasar Balaji Temple was built in 1754 CE by Mohandas Maharaj with the assistance of Muslim architects. The temple has been remodelled several times over the years to achieve its present appearance.
The temple complex is a work of art in terms of style. The Shree Salasar Balaji Temple is made of bricks, mortar, and marbles, and it has a long history of renovations. The use of mosaic, white marbles, and gold and silver wares in the temple’s sanctum, walls, and gates is breathtaking.
In this temple, there are several worship ceremonies. The Salasar Balaji is a religious circuit in the area, with several temples nearby that serve as tourist attractions. Since it is situated on NH65, there is no traffic congestion for pilgrims and devotees travelling to or returning from Shree Salasar Balaji Temple.
Salasar Balaji History
A farmer ploughed his field in the month of Shravan Shukla-Navami in the small village of Asota in the district of Nagaur (Rajsthan). His plough was suddenly struck by a stony object that made a noise. He dug that hole and discovered a sand-covered Idol. When he and his wife cleaned the idol, they discovered the Shree Salasar Balaji Temple, or Lord Hanuman, idol. They worshipped Lord Balaji by bowing their heads in devotion.
The news of Lord Balaji’s arrival quickly spread throughout the village of Asota. The news reached the Thakur of Asota, who dispatched the idol to Salasar in the Churu district. On the same night, Mohandasji of Shree Salasar Balaji Temple, a devotee of Lord Hanuman, had a dream in which he saw Lord Hanuman or Balaji. Lord Balaji told him of the asota idol. He immediately sent Thakur of Asota a massage. Mohandasji’s wishes were granted by the thakur. The idol was sent to Salasar and installed there. Salasar Dham is now the name of the site.
Salasar Balaji’s temple started as a hut and grew into a concrete building over time. Dhunia of Mohandas ji surrounds the temple. The holy fire, which was ignited by the great devtoee Mohandas ji, is still burning here. Devotees take holy ashes from this place. Near the Shree Salasar Balaji Temple is Sri Mohan Mandir. Mohandasji and Kanidadi’s footprints can be found here. Two kilometres from Salasar Dham, on the Luxmangarh Road, is another temple dedicated to Anjani Mata. Lord Hanuman of Balaji’s mother was Anjani Mata. One kilometre from Salasar is another Gudavadi Shyam temple.
Salasarji Balaji is a major Lord Hanuman pilgrimage site in India. Every devotee’s wish is said to be granted by Lord Balaji. Every year, thousands of devotees come from all over India to seek Dharsna.
Salasar Balaji Aarti Timings And Darshan Timings
- Opening of temple doors – 04:30 AM
- Mangal Aarti – 05:00 AM
- Balaji Maharaj’s Rajbhog – 10:30 AM
- Dhoop and Mohandas Ji’s Aarti – 06:00 PM
- Aarti of Balaji – 07:30 pm
- Bal Bhog – 08:15 PM
- Shyan Aarti – 10:00 PM
Note: There is also Rajbhog Aarti of Salasar Balaji Maharaj every Tuesday at 11:00 am.
Best Time to visit Salasar Balaji
According to the weather, the best time to visit Salasar Balaji is between the months of October and April. By the way, devotees flock to Salasar Balaji Maharaj during the year. During the week, however, a large crowd of devotees can be seen on Tuesday and Saturday. If you want to avoid more crowds, then you can leave Tuesday, Saturday and Sunday and come to see Balaji during the rest of the week, Shree Salasar Balaji Temple.
